scientific nameChrysoteuchia topiarius (Zell.)common name Cranberry GirdlerhabitatNative and tame grasslands.seasonalityLate June to early August.identificationA small crambid (17-20 mm wingspan). The forewings vary from dark (clay colored) to light yellowish brown, lack a silvery white longitudinal median stripe, often have clearly marked dark fuscous veins, have a prominent angled silvery gray subterminal line, have 3 black dots at the bottom of the terminal line, and have a fringe of shiny bronze scales. The hind wings are gray and lack prominent venation. Formerly called Chrysoteuchia hortuellus topiarius. Similar to the common European species Chrysoteuchia culmella, but smaller. Can be mistaken only with Platytes vobisne which is tiny (12-13 mm wingspan) and has zigzag postmedial and subterminal lines.life historyDiurnal and comes to light. Single brooded. The immature stages are described by Fernald (1896).conservationCommon to abundant, of no concern.diet infoThe larvae have a wide range of host plants, especially grasses, not just cranberries.rangeGenerally distributed in North America (Fernald 1896, Dyar 1904, Forbes 1923, McDaniel et al 1984, Scholtens 1996). Widespread in Alberta, especially in the prairies and aspen parkland.taxonomic hierarchy